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I tried to test Pianoteq, but there's enough randomness in the peak amplitude from note to note (even feeding it identical velocities for consecutive notes) to make it impossible for me to determine whether it's interpolating or not, using the simplistic method of inspecting the peak of the waveform. (I did increase the dynamic range to max, but it's not enough to bring out any trend)

I used a velocity curve that mapped velocity 0 to 63, and velocity 127 to 64.

I rolled up my sleeves and averaged the peak amplitude for 10 strikes at each velocity, and VOILA - I can see that Pianoteq is indeed interpolating the velocity curve. ;^) There is a tiny 0.5dB difference between an input velocity of 1 and 127, when mapped to 63 and 64 respectively, with intermediate velocities producing averages within that 0.5dB range, in a consistent and expected way. (the velocity curve is a straight line between 0,63 and 127,64)

James, any idea if that is still the MP8 or does he have a VPC in there already.

No, I believe it's an MP8II inside (I posted a picture from one of the conversions in the 'GP shell' thread the other day). A VPC1 would be an ideal board for future GP conversions, however I believe Matt needs to have access to additional controls for changing patches. It might be possible to do that kind of thing remotely (off stage), if not just a separate MIDI control surface.

Looking at the video at the Synthology Booth and showing Ivory being played on the Kawai VPC1 controller, I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of speakers they were using for the sound. I could see the speakers, but couldn't make out what they were. Did anyone recognize them? The weakest link in my experience is the speakers that reproduce the sound. So I always use headphones even though I have 3 different sets of monitor speakers. I am sure that Synthology chose the best ones to represent their products.

If anyone knows what kind or model they were, I would appreciate it knowing.

James...Certainly not a deal breaker for me... but just for fun, wanted to comment on the Mac computer Jordan Rudess was using. Do you think he would have liked to have had the editing software to fine tune the VPC? I'm still dumbfounded as to why a first class keyboard/controller would not be optimized for Mac! Please keep us informed as to if and when this added extra will become available. My plan right now would be to pick up an inexpensive Windows laptop just for use with the VPC1.If the amount of the response in our thread is any indication, this product is going to be a must have for many! Again, thanks for all the helpful information you've made available for all of us!Regards,H.K.

Considering that the software products from Pianoteq, Galaxy, etc ... have a velocity curve option already, my common sense meter tells me that the velocity curve thingy in the VPC controller will make very little (if any) detectable difference in what the average piano players experience when using the VPC.

This just gives us a sense that we are getting things "just right" ... but the actual audible effect will be negligible.

Extremely good players attempting to express exceptional dynamics will probably notice the difference but others may not really detect anything different in their playing experience.

Don, common sense is all very well, however I would recommend trying the VPC1, (comparing the 'Normal' touch curve with one of the 'Approved' touch curves) before passing judgement.

Kind regards,Jamesx

I understand. I have certainly not "passed judgement". Only expressing a sense of things based on life's experiences. Unfortunately, I probably will be unable to make a move to the VPC controller any time soon, so judgement will have to be passed by others but I will be receptive to that judgement.

James, any idea if that is still the MP8 or does he have a VPC in there already.

No, I believe it's an MP8II inside (I posted a picture from one of the conversions in the 'GP shell' thread the other day). A VPC1 would be an ideal board for future GP conversions, however I believe Matt needs to have access to additional controls for changing patches. It might be possible to do that kind of thing remotely (off stage), if not just a separate MIDI control surface.

Cheers,Jamesx

I have seen them 8 times since 2004 at the Wiltern and they never disappoint. As with most bands that experience great commercial success, they aren't as raw as they were back in 2004, but they have really evolved in many ways as well. The crowd was the most crazed I've seen for Muse in the US, but deservedly so. They mixed in a healthy amount of older tunes and even the piano heavy Sunburn.

Muse only became popular in the US in recent years. Unfortunately, more for their radio hits, but I know over in Europe and Japan they have greater knowledge of Muse and Matt's artistry. The other guys have really stepped up their musicianship over the years, although they always sounded like guys who played together forever.

Thanks for the info. Their music isn't as piano oriented anymore, but Matt still plays a few tunes on the Kawai setup. You could see the Kawai logo in huge letters on the monitors that made up the jaw dropping set.

Looking at the video at the Synthology Booth and showing Ivory being played on the Kawai VPC1 controller, I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of speakers they were using for the sound. I could see the speakers, but couldn't make out what they were.

We've tested everything thoroughly, so there shouldn't be too many bugs/typos, however if you spot any issues, I would be grateful if you send a private message.

Once again, my apologies for the delay!

Cheers,Jamesx

James...The website is beautiful. Wow! So much helpful info... graphics are grabbers; Q&A excellent; really user friendly. This is award-winning quality! Just curious... will this type of promo/website be for only the VPC1, or can we expect to see more for other DP's? Congrats, this is outstanding!Regards,H.K.

We intend to add additional content (interviews with the VPC team/software developers/artists and tutorial videos etc.) in future, so please keep your eyes peeled on the facebook page and/or this forum for update announcements.

I'll also be updating the Q&A with answers to commonly asked questions.

Originally Posted By: HisKidd

Just curious... will this type of promo/website be for only the VPC1, or can we expect to see more for other DP's?

Actually, earlier versions of the website did link directly to the accompanying 'Feature' text, however the jump and subsequent scroll wasn't very attractive (it felt like the website equivalent of being on a roller-coaster). Moreover, we wished for the visitor to view the information sequentially, rather than skipping through content. For these reasons we decided not to link to each section directly from the front page.

James, do the approved touch curves include individual key offsets? Can you explain in more detail the key offset feature? I am wondering if it is used to correct manufacturing irregularities of individual keys, or it is used to emulate more/less weighting to suit a particular software piano? In other words, is it a rectifying feature or enhancing feature?